Published: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 5:49 p.m.

ATLANTIC

Coach: Danny Acosta

2012 Record: 1-19

Outlook: A first-time head coach has a complete rebuilding job ahead of him. “We're starting from the ground up,” Acosta said. He'll be relying heavily on junior left-handed pitcher/first baseman Wyatt Nolan to provide leadership for a young team that includes freshman catcher Kevin Acosta, the coach's son.

DELAND

Coach: Andy Lyon

2012 Record: 22-5

Outlook: The Bulldogs go into the season with high hopes. Starting pitching depth and a potent batting lineup could put DeLand in position for a postseason run.

Senior left-hander Scott Moss has a career ERA below 1.50. The University of Florida signee went 6-2 with a 1.63 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 43 innings last season. Sophomore catcher Nick Fortes is already committed to Ole Miss. Junior pitcher/first baseman Lane Barker is an all-around threat who can hit for power and command a game from the mound. Junior center fielder Shelton Schimming is a Stetson commit.

DELTONA

Coach: Tommy Hickox

2012 Record: 3-23

Outlook: Third-year starter McKenzie King will bat in the middle of the order. The senior center fielder has speed and pop. Senior catcher Shane Harlowe is a solid defensive catcher with a strong arm who will likely also be the closer. Senior shortstop Steven Ramos is projected to be the Wolves' leadoff hitter.

FLAGLER PALM COAST

Coach: Jordan Butler

2012 Record: 12-13

Outlook: Butler said the Bulldogs are short on experience, but long on toughness. However, FPC caught a break when senior shortstop Cheech Tuccio moved in from Kansas. He's the top hitter on the team and his arrival allows speedy Lorenza Williams to move from the infield to the outfield. FPC is young on the bump as its No. 1 pitcher is freshman Brett Cain and its No. 2 hurler is Nik Bitner, both right-handers.

HALIFAX

Coach: Bill Frieburg

2012 Record: 1-8

Outlook: Halifax is young with mostly first-year players. The top returnees include sophomore first baseman Marsellar Lowe and lefty Jarius Joyce, who is expected to pitch this year after leading the team in hitting as a catcher last season.

Outlook: Senior right-hander Matt Moak and senior outfielder Adam Rosenberg are both expected to play college baseball. Senior center fielder Austin Litke is also an all-star candidate.

MATANZAS

Coach: Robert Roe

2012 Record: 7-18

Outlook: The Pirates have a young team with no seniors in the starting lineup or pitching rotation. Junior left-hander Tyler Stuart is the No. 1 pitcher and plays first base.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

Coach: Nick Regilio

2012 Record: 17-13

Outlook: The Barracudas advanced to the Class 7A Final Four last year and return several starters, including shortstop Dylan Woods (committed to USC Upstate), second baseman Brandon Amendolare, infielder Joey McKee, catcher Jed Tylutki and first baseman Joel Ogram. McKee and Amendolare are expected to anchor the pitching rotation, while Woods will close. Depth, especially at pitching, could be a problem.

PINE RIDGE

Coach: Eddie Senez

2012 Record: 12-14

Outlook: The Panthers return No. 1 starter Albert Neff, who struck out a school-record 15 in one game last year as a sophomore. But Josh Lackey will battle Neff for the No. 1 spot. Both throw in the mid-80s. Trinity Christian transfer Nelson Garcia is expected to be an impact player at catcher as well as on the mound. First baseman Ty Turner, who signed with Wilkes College (N.C.), could play first base, second base or third base. Turner batted .500 last year.

SEABREEZE

Coach: Anthony Campanella

2012 Record: 12-13

Outlook: Campanella says this team reminds him of some of his best teams. “They're young, but very competitive and will fight to the finish,” he said. “They're baseball rats. They love to practice and work.”

Senior Anthony Campanella, a Florida Athletic Coaches Association Class 6A All-State selection last year, returns to lead the rotation and play outfield. Junior Zach Ballas makes it a solid 1-2 punch on the mound. Junior Liam Wigley takes over as starting shortstop.

SPRUCE CREEK

Coach: Johnny Goodrich

2012 Record: 28-4

Outlook: The defending Class 8A state champs could wind up in the Final Four again this season. The Hawks have one of the top pitching staffs in the state led by first-team All-American Kyle Marsh and Class 8A Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year Griffin Fuller. Marsh, a junior committed to UCF, was 11-0 last year with a 0.31 ERA and 110 strikeouts. The right-hander has been clocked at 91-94 mph. Fuller, a senior who has committed to Stetson, was 10-1 last season following a 9-1 sophomore year. The third starter, junior Chris Hopkins, struck out 35 in 31 innings. Fuller and Hopkins both throw in the mid- to high-80s.

The Hawks are also solid in the field and at the plate. They return leading hitter Austin Hays (.361, 24 RBIs), who has signed to play at Seminole State next season. Junior outfielder Zach Spivey (.330, 21 steals), who has committed to Florida Gulf Coast, is back, as well as junior catcher Jordan Brown, first baseman Casey Bell and third baseman Chandler Rodriguez. Sophomore second baseman Walker Bailey is beginning to get a lot of college attention, Goodrich said.

Outlook: Count on Trinity Christian to be a factor in the Class 2A state title race. The Eagles are looking to make their sixth consecutive Final Four appearance. Trinity has won three state crowns over the previous five seasons.

A solid nucleus returns for the 2012 Class 2A state champs. Righty Dustin Hagy could be primed for a year that gets him selected in Major League Baseball's draft. With a fastball that sits between 89-92 mph and an effective split-finger, Hagy is a dominant ace. Senior lefty Tyler Lawrence, who has signed with Florida State College of Jacksonville, is No. 2 in the rotation, and senior Nelson Mendez is the go-to guy out of the bullpen. Senior catcher Dusty Miller has given a junior college verbal commitment to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

UNIVERSITY

Coach: Frank Martello

2012 Record: 11-15

Outlook: The Titans lost only three seniors, but junior pitcher John Grey has been lost for the season with a wrist injury. Cody Killon, the team's leading hitter last year, will play first base, third base and pitch. Reid Henley returns at second base. Third baseman Drew Peden and lefty Just Franklin will join Killon in the rotation. Henley will also pitch.

WARNER CHRISTIAN

Coach: Robert Ripley

2012 Record: 13-13

Outlook: While Lopez is favored to win the district, the second playoff spot is wide open, Ripley believes. The Eagles return their top pitcher, Cole Texter, who also plays third base, and their top hitter, catcher Austin Rowe. They will also rely on Jordan Heldreth on the mound. Football/track star Bentlee Critcher will play high school baseball for the first time and is expected to play center field and lead off.

<p><b>ATLANTIC</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Danny Acosta<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 1-19<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> A first-time head coach has a complete rebuilding job ahead of him. “We're starting from the ground up,” Acosta said. He'll be relying heavily on junior left-handed pitcher/first baseman Wyatt Nolan to provide leadership for a young team that includes freshman catcher Kevin Acosta, the coach's son.<ep></p><p><b>DELAND</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Andy Lyon<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 22-5<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The Bulldogs go into the season with high hopes. Starting pitching depth and a potent batting lineup could put DeLand in position for a postseason run.<ep></p><p>Senior left-hander Scott Moss has a career ERA below 1.50. The University of Florida signee went 6-2 with a 1.63 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 43 innings last season. Sophomore catcher Nick Fortes is already committed to Ole Miss. Junior pitcher/first baseman Lane Barker is an all-around threat who can hit for power and command a game from the mound. Junior center fielder Shelton Schimming is a Stetson commit.<ep></p><p><b>DELTONA</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Tommy Hickox<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 3-23<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> Third-year starter McKenzie King will bat in the middle of the order. The senior center fielder has speed and pop. Senior catcher Shane Harlowe is a solid defensive catcher with a strong arm who will likely also be the closer. Senior shortstop Steven Ramos is projected to be the Wolves' leadoff hitter.<ep></p><p><b>FLAGLER PALM COAST</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Jordan Butler<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</B> 12-13<ep></p><p><B>Outlook:</b> Butler said the Bulldogs are short on experience, but long on toughness. However, FPC caught a break when senior shortstop Cheech Tuccio moved in from Kansas. He's the top hitter on the team and his arrival allows speedy Lorenza Williams to move from the infield to the outfield. FPC is young on the bump as its No. 1 pitcher is freshman Brett Cain and its No. 2 hurler is Nik Bitner, both right-handers.<ep></p><p><b>HALIFAX</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Bill Frieburg<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 1-8<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> Halifax is young with mostly first-year players. The top returnees include sophomore first baseman Marsellar Lowe and lefty Jarius Joyce, who is expected to pitch this year after leading the team in hitting as a catcher last season.<ep> </p><p><b>FATHER LOPEZ</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Trevor Berryhill<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 14-10<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The Green Wave return most of their lineup and add several promising newcomers. The top returning players include USC Upstate signee Ian Farrell (.317 average, 3.23 ERA), catcher Zach Hawk (.396), first baseman Nick Restuccia (.408, seven doubles), speedy center fielder Tommy Roache (.297) and shortstop Brandon Leohner (.329, nine doubles). Freshman outfielder Joe Skinner is already a UCF commit. Senior transfer Sam Shields and Farrell lead the rotation. Both throw in the mid- to high-80s.<ep></p><p><b>MAINLAND</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Michael Burton<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 13-10<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> Senior right-hander Matt Moak and senior outfielder Adam Rosenberg are both expected to play college baseball. Senior center fielder Austin Litke is also an all-star candidate.<ep></p><p><b>MATANZAS</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Robert Roe<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 7-18<ep></p><p> <b>Outlook:</b> The Pirates have a young team with no seniors in the starting lineup or pitching rotation. Junior left-hander Tyler Stuart is the No. 1 pitcher and plays first base.<ep></p><p><b>NEW SMYRNA BEACH</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Nick Regilio<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 17-13<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The Barracudas advanced to the Class 7A Final Four last year and return several starters, including shortstop Dylan Woods (committed to USC Upstate), second baseman Brandon Amendolare, infielder Joey McKee, catcher Jed Tylutki and first baseman Joel Ogram. McKee and Amendolare are expected to anchor the pitching rotation, while Woods will close. Depth, especially at pitching, could be a problem.<ep></p><p><b>PINE RIDGE</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Eddie Senez<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 12-14<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The Panthers return No. 1 starter Albert Neff, who struck out a school-record 15 in one game last year as a sophomore. But Josh Lackey will battle Neff for the No. 1 spot. Both throw in the mid-80s. Trinity Christian transfer Nelson Garcia is expected to be an impact player at catcher as well as on the mound. First baseman Ty Turner, who signed with Wilkes College (N.C.), could play first base, second base or third base. Turner batted .500 last year.<ep></p><p><b>SEABREEZE</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Anthony Campanella<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 12-13<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> Campanella says this team reminds him of some of his best teams. “They're young, but very competitive and will fight to the finish,” he said. “They're baseball rats. They love to practice and work.”<ep></p><p>Senior Anthony Campanella, a Florida Athletic Coaches Association Class 6A All-State selection last year, returns to lead the rotation and play outfield. Junior Zach Ballas makes it a solid 1-2 punch on the mound. Junior Liam Wigley takes over as starting shortstop.<ep></p><p><b>SPRUCE CREEK</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Johnny Goodrich<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 28-4<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The defending Class 8A state champs could wind up in the Final Four again this season. The Hawks have one of the top pitching staffs in the state led by first-team All-American Kyle Marsh and Class 8A Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year Griffin Fuller. Marsh, a junior committed to UCF, was 11-0 last year with a 0.31 ERA and 110 strikeouts. The right-hander has been clocked at 91-94 mph. Fuller, a senior who has committed to Stetson, was 10-1 last season following a 9-1 sophomore year. The third starter, junior Chris Hopkins, struck out 35 in 31 innings. Fuller and Hopkins both throw in the mid- to high-80s.<ep></p><p> The Hawks are also solid in the field and at the plate. They return leading hitter Austin Hays (.361, 24 RBIs), who has signed to play at Seminole State next season. Junior outfielder Zach Spivey (.330, 21 steals), who has committed to Florida Gulf Coast, is back, as well as junior catcher Jordan Brown, first baseman Casey Bell and third baseman Chandler Rodriguez. Sophomore second baseman Walker Bailey is beginning to get a lot of college attention, Goodrich said.<ep></p><p><b>TAYLOR</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Dan Peters<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 14-10<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The Wildcats expect to start two eighth-graders and just three seniors, including pitcher/outfielder Kody Hastings (5-3, 3.14 ERA, 40 strikeouts, .324 batting average). Other all-star candidates include sophomore shortstop/pitcher Tanner Campbell (.329 batting, 3.58 ERA, 39 strikeouts) and junior third baseman Rhett Tollison (.393).<ep></p><p><b>TRINITY CHRISTIAN</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Brian Maples<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</B> 17-13<EP></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> Count on Trinity Christian to be a factor in the Class 2A state title race. The Eagles are looking to make their sixth consecutive Final Four appearance. Trinity has won three state crowns over the previous five seasons.<ep></p><p>A solid nucleus returns for the 2012 Class 2A state champs. Righty Dustin Hagy could be primed for a year that gets him selected in Major League Baseball's draft. With a fastball that sits between 89-92 mph and an effective split-finger, Hagy is a dominant ace. Senior lefty Tyler Lawrence, who has signed with Florida State College of Jacksonville, is No. 2 in the rotation, and senior Nelson Mendez is the go-to guy out of the bullpen. Senior catcher Dusty Miller has given a junior college verbal commitment to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.<ep></p><p><b>UNIVERSITY</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Frank Martello<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 11-15<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> The Titans lost only three seniors, but junior pitcher John Grey has been lost for the season with a wrist injury. Cody Killon, the team's leading hitter last year, will play first base, third base and pitch. Reid Henley returns at second base. Third baseman Drew Peden and lefty Just Franklin will join Killon in the rotation. Henley will also pitch.<ep></p><p><b>WARNER CHRISTIAN</b><ep></p><p><b>Coach:</b> Robert Ripley<ep></p><p><b>2012 Record:</b> 13-13<ep></p><p><b>Outlook:</b> While Lopez is favored to win the district, the second playoff spot is wide open, Ripley believes. The Eagles return their top pitcher, Cole Texter, who also plays third base, and their top hitter, catcher Austin Rowe. They will also rely on Jordan Heldreth on the mound. Football/track star Bentlee Critcher will play high school baseball for the first time and is expected to play center field and lead off.<ep></p>